Harlaxton
was a triangular grass surface landing ground oriented unusually
to the north. During
WWI it was a busy training airfield. 68 (Australian)
Sqn RFC
arrived in the UK from Kantara, Egypt, in Jan 1917, staying at Harlaxton
until
Sep 1917, deploying to France. During
1918 Harlaxton was designated as 40 Training Depot Station, but closed
on the disbandment of 40 TDS in May 1919 in the post-war drawdown.

The site was not
suitable to the needs of a major station in the lead-up to WWII and was
prepared for use as a Relief Landing Ground for 12
FTS (later redesignated 12(P)
AFU) based at RAF
Spitalgate. Harlaxton was built out in 1942 to support its
role as Relief Landing Ground for 12 FTS. They used Harlaxton until Feb
1945 and were succeeded by 17 SFTS from RAFC
Cranwell. In Oct 1939 Harlaxton was also in use as the bombing
range for 12 FTS and in May 1940 it was described as a temporary practice
bombing range for RAFC Cranwell and Spitlegate. During World War II
neighbouring Harlaxton Manor was requisitioned as the Officers' Mess
and later used to house a company of
the
1st Airborne
Division.

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a complete survey and history of Eastern England's airfields. Lincolnshire
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